Links Not Locks
2022-2023 Fellowship
Reducing Incarceration Through Mental Health Support
The Links Not Locks campaign envisioned a community that doesn’t use incarceration as the answer to public health issues but instead connects people to mental, behavioral, and cultural resources that are rooted in the community.
They believed the answers lie in providing resources and reducing stigma so that people can advocate for themselves and their neighbors in crisis.
Links Not Locks was started by Community Spring Fellows, Kenjee Roker and Leigh Scott (left to right) who had been directly impacted by mental health and incarceration.
Campaign Goals
Expanding programming for mental health and pre-arrest diversion
They focused on three structural gaps that lead to unnecessary suffering and incarceration. First, they wanted to see expanded peer support networks that can help root mental health support directly in the community.
Second, they supported the development of an alternative first responder model that can meet people in crisis with support instead of punishment.
Finally, they wanted more people who have been impacted by these systems to be part of how these programs are designed and run. Without the insight of folks with direct experience, they felt they wouldn’t be able to find meaningful solutions to these problems.
Reducing stigma about mental health and substance use
Links Not Locks created a series of content across multiple platforms to give space for people to tell their stories and learn about community resources.
Too many of our fellow community members have had their crises met with punitive measures rather than support. As a result, they have become further marginalized and traumatized.
By reframing mental health and substance use challenges in a culturally sensitive, accessible way, people are more likely to advocate for themselves and others. As a community, we can face these problems with grace and compassion.
Alternative First Response
Our community needs an alternative first responder program, with teams of mental health clinicians and medics that can be dispatched via 911, 988 and a non-emergency line for low-risk, non-emergency calls.
This program would divert people from jail and connect them to the support they need to thrive.
Community Resources
Mental Health and Substance use Zine
There are alternatives to calling 911 that don’t involve the law enforcement when someone is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Click below to download the digital zine or email info@csgnv.org for printed copies.
